Topsy-Turvy

In the midst of finishing up the income taxes and scrambling to get our third quarter school work in, we had to take hubby to the ER Monday afternoon whereupon they kept him overnight and took forever releasing him late yesterday. (He was feeling some discomfort in the chest for a week or so, and the doctor didn't want to play around with that. However, all tests revealed that it's not his heart, but probably a digestive issue, so we're thankful for that.) So, we hopefully also have some car issues straightened out as well and life is going on? A bit on the topsy-turvy side, but going on anyway.

Please forgive me for not checking in on all of you more often, but I'll try to get by later today. No matter what's going on in our lives, Jesus reigns.

Little Bean

Can you see the little bean there? That's our third grandchild. Isn't he/she cute?

Listen, I'm going to be taking a couple weeks break. I will probably be keeping up posts for my other blogs which all have a specific purpose, but I'll break from the personal goings on unless there is something I'm just itching to say.

Be by to visit here and there. See you in a couple of weeks, Lord willing!

Today, Not Yesterday

I have no yesterdays,
Time took them away;
Tomorrow may not be--
But I have today.

~ Pearl Yeadon McGinnis

What a reminder. I needed this, and I think perhaps many of you do too. Don't you pray that our Lord will help us to use today wisely, while laying aside any regrets about the yesterdays? Sometimes I reflect on how hungrily time is eating up my yesterdays, but that's not the right approach. In keeping with the apostle Paul, I hope you and I "forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before," continuing to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13-14)

I'm hanging in there, trying to press on. Hope you are too, knowing the Lord will take care of tomorrow. I'm working on writing projects, and when I do, you understand that blogging suffers. Did you know I have four blogs? Well, I do. Two are connected with the home business, one of those is for children, and I stubbornly refuse to drop any of them, as they are all much enjoyed, each in a different way.

The above quote was borrowed from a delightful book by Emilie Barnes, entitled 15 Minutes with God for Grandma. You grandmothers might think about picking up a copy. The meditations Mrs. Barnes offers are short and sweet, plus she seems to be a kindred spirit in her love for quotes. A couple of them were just perfect thoughts for two blogs today, and I'll probably find more for the future. Some of you who are quotes lovers would appreciate that as well. I do recommend the book; it's a nice companion to a cup of tea or coffee.

I have a very old click art collection that has loads of flower graphics that are, of course, beautiful. What do you think of this lovely flower? Aren't flowers a wonderful gift from our kind Lord? Enjoy this one and have a blessed day. I hope to do some visiting to see some of you very soon.

Cleaning Away

Doing some much needed cleaning and organizing in the sun room, garage, and closets. You can just imagine. I'm in the right mood. You know--that "ditch it" mood. And the good thing is that I'm throwing out old paperbacks, files, and magazines on recycle day so that I don't get tempted to go and retrieve them. So, I'm dirty and dusty, but happy to be getting this done.

Hope you're all well. I'll check in with you folks when I get done.

Hobbling Along

"He who limps is still walking." ~ Stanislaw J. Lec

I ran across this quote a few weeks ago and took note of it then. I don't know who this fellow is that said it, but I said to myself "Now that's the right attitude to have." Then, a couple of days ago, I saw it again and it had an even greater impact. You see, when I got up on Monday morning, I realized that my right big toe was hurting when I walk. I have no idea why; it's almost as if it was injured, but when and how who knows? Well, it still hurts to walk on it, but thankfully I am walking, even if it's not a very pretty walk.

Even worse than that is my husband. He went for an MRI on his hip Monday (it gives him trouble off and on) and since then, he's been in a lot of pain, probably because of lying in an uncomfortable position for that long. At least I only hurt when I walk, he hurts all the time right now, and getting into a comfortable position lying down is quite a challenge!

I talked to our daughter Bev earlier and she has this sciatic type pain from time to time and is having it pretty big time today! So we're quite a crew, aren't we?

Neesie has to work extra days this week so Chuck and I are needing to take her back and forth to work more days than usual, so that has added to the fun. At least, driving isn't painful for me, and for him I guess it's no worse than lying down.

So that's where we are with things right now. Thought I better check in. The taxes are done; third quarter grades were mailed in on Tuesday; and we've started putting our new products online. Go check them out when you get a chance! And please pray for us!

Thursday Already

Well, hi dear friends. I have been neglecting my poor little blog here, I know. Can you believe it's Thursday already? Where in the world has the time gone?

In this household, it's the usual. Poor Neesie is bogged down under with schoolwork, and me? For one thing, I have started the income taxes and wonder of wonders, have remained sane so far! But then, I've only gotten ten percent through it, so that's not saying much. Seriously, though, since we switched to the H & R Block online tax service, it has been far far better than the old days. So much of the info is saved from previous years, and they do help guide you through the process. For us, it is worth the $29.95, so this is a little plug for the H & R online. Also, my sanity has remained more intact since I start it a bit "earlier" (that is, late March instead of early April!), and only do a small segment at a time. Somehow, it's seems less painful that way. I guess you can tell, there is not a lot of love for the IRS around here, and we don't even usually have to pay them anything! Unfortunately, it must be an area of besetting sin which should be given over to the Lord. That's not a joke.

Also, we're in the middle of developing new products at Speakable Gifts, some which are wedding related, so please pray for my daughter Bev and me as we seek God's help and direction in this. I'll let you know when we have it pretty much all together.

But we're still looking to Jesus in our little corner of the world. I know many of you are too. I'm going to try to "steal" some moments here and there through the course of the day to check on some of you to see what you're up to!

Proving Myself

I've recently made a rather strange discovery: I like geometry. In fact, I really like it--a lot. When my older daughter Bev was going through this unpleasant experience (for her), we had folks in our life who were available and willing to help her get through it, but Neesie's situation is different and there is really no one convenient to help, other than the teachers at ABeka.There are times when that may be useful, but you can just imagine how needful it is to have someone right on the spot to work with any student. Unfortunately, her dad and I never had the subject when we were in school. Well, at this late stage in my life, I am trying to learn it as best I can so that I can better talk to her about why the answers are what they are in my teacher key. And I am learning! And wow, is it ever fascinating! (I think my daughters view me as a bit odd that I enjoy it so much, but they shouldn't be surprised considering their mom is one of those weird people who likes to do logic puzzles while sitting in waiting rooms and riding in the car.)

Neesie says it has helped that I can talk to her about things and make some sort of sense when I couldn't before. I'm still behind where they are in class, but pray I can keep up enough to help her with the many ins and outs of angles, quads, triangles, and the rest. At least now I know what S.A.S. means and what a transversal is ! (Okay, I'm showing off.) Now if I learn to do a proof all by myself without looking in the teacher's book, I will really have proved myself! I'm getting a lot of help from Geometry for Dummies (appropriate for me), so by and by, maybe I'll get there.

Anyway, I can't spend my days doing geometry. I have to cook, clean, drive the mom taxi, grocery shop, and all that boring stuff. So. . . . blogging is being pushed aside again. But I'll be back! And I'll sneak in to see you my dear friends every little chance I get. That is, when I'm not doing geometry!

Have Blog, Will Post

Yesterday, I came upon a blog which I thoroughly enjoyed. It's the blog of a Christian man, rather young, married and the father of two little children. The reason I'm mentioning this is because this fellow's blog was a real inspiration to me, not in the way that you would probably first think. You see, I have a pretty full plate these days and blogging always seems to need to take a back seat. I somehow just don't get to it, and a big reason is the time it takes me to do a post. Why is that? It's because I normally feel that I need to write something somewhat substantial, such as an article about a certain topic. So, waiting for the time to do a post ends up being none done at all.

Now, what was it that I liked so much about this guy's posts yesterday? First of all, most of them were short. He posts almost every day, giving little tidbits of info on a wide variety of topics, including religious news and thoughts, political items, family updates and even some humor. If you're wondering what was there about that which affected me so much, it's because it started me to thinking about my own blogging experience, or lack thereof, lately. I really don't have the time with all the pressing needs; I'm not a fast writer; but I'm not wanting to give up blogging. I thought about how this busy young man still has time to regularly keep up his place on the internet, and I really think it's because I doubt if he spends more than ten minutes tops to make a post. That is really appealing! I don't know how much time he spends finding material to use, but I 'd be surprised if it's much.

I've decided to be a copycat! He doesn't know me from Adam, so he won't mind. The way he does his blog is a perfect solution for me to keep up mine, so I'm going to give it a try. So if you notice a change around here you'll know why. Keeping it up on a daily basis is a bit much, but certainly I hope to do better. And I hope also to go back to my original intent with my devotional blog, Scraps of Glory, by doing just short pieces of inspirational writings from time to time. A couple of my blog friends already have a similar approach to the young man I visited and I like making quick stops over at those places too.

Thanks for listening. I sure have been struggling over this issue of late and feel a lot better about it now. I still love all you wonderful friends I've made here on the web and have no intentions of letting you guys go. Be over when I can and thanks for always understanding that it may not be as often as it could be if life weren't so busy! And keep making all those God-inspiring posts that so many of you bless my soul with. I need to read them when I steal the time. They help keep me sane in this journey through a sin cursed world.

The Return of the Enemy

"The other day, while walking about my home, attending to the normal duties of a housewife, minding my own business and causing no hurt or harm to a single soul, I was attacked by a vicious assailant. This assailant had no mercy, but deliberately and cruelly ambushed me. I made an attempt to retaliate, but to no avail. The culprit was gone. As quick as had been the attack, just as quick was the retreat. My enemy was a flea. And, unfortunately for me and my household, he was not alone."

The above words are a direct quote from one of the first blog entries that I made almost exactly three years ago. When I wrote these words, I was in the midst of a fierce battle with one of the Lord's tiniest creatures, and I am sorry to say, he is back. He is indeed a tiny foe, but one of the most difficult to defeat due to his best weapon: the power of numbers. His strategy could be envied by the best military operatives in the world--he sneaks in by hiding in the woolly coats of our most beloved family pets. After causing them hours of misery if you don't catch him in time, lo and behold, he (or should I be saying she) can leave behind a growing army in your carpet and you don't even know they are there. That is, until they attack!


Get the picture? That's what greeted us on our return from vacation, and this weary housewife has added to the many duties needing finishing up upon our return, warfare against this dreaded enemy. I'm getting there. Three days ago I resorted to lethal weaponry in our home and on our poor Frodo, who returned from his visit to the kennel to become the victim of a savage and brutal attempt on his well being.

We're beginning to relax again. I'm starting to taste victory. I think I see signs of retreat on the part of the enemy. I'm still constantly using what is considered to be the most effective piece of artillery--the vacuum cleaner--hoping with all my might that things are getting back to normal.

So, I'm finally getting to make a blog post. Thanks for all your little notes of concern. I hope to post a few pictures of our vacation soon. I didn't get too many good ones, so I may have to steal a couple from one or both of my daughters. My neck is tons better, but I cannot say that it's gone, as I still can feel signs that this is a chronic problem that will probably always be with me. I only hope it's nothing too serious, but if it gets painful again, I may have to go to see about it. For now, though, the new pillow has been a blessing.

One more thing: Sometimes as I'm vacuuming around my house, I've been thinking about how the flea reminds me of sin. You see, this was all my fault--I was not diligent. I didn't treat my dog soon enough in the spring and I was so busy with neck problems and vacation preps that I wasn't looking for the enemy as I usually do. So he got a stronghold on us, which makes him much more difficult to do away with. Sin is like that in our lives and hearts. If we're not diligent, it will bunker down, get a good strong hold on us, and be much more difficult to eradicate. Our best weapons are the Word of God and prayer. It's so easy to become busy with our daily lives, that we begin to neglect our relationship with our Jesus. It's best not to let sin sneak in because of our lack of diligence, like the almighty flea did in the furry abode of our Fro.

Done!

April wouldn't be April if I didn't make at least one post about income taxes. You see, this has traditionally been a stressful time for me. But for the past couple of years, it's been getting better and better. All because of H & R Block online service! It has made all the difference, as I have been doing just a little bit at the computer, for a half hour or so in the mornings, and slowly but surely the taxes have been getting done. You plug in the figures, they do all the computations, as well as telling you whether or not you should itemize, what credits you can or can't take, and other helps. Today I did the last segment; I paid the $50 (not that cheap maybe, but cheaper than a tax preparer); and all I have to do now is print the return, sign and mail it. All done, and it's only the 2nd of the month. Anyone who knew me in the early days of blogging knows that I've been usually at the last minute, like say the 12-14th of the month finishing up, so this is quite an achievement. I'll take whatever pats on the back you want to give!

Now if we can get Neesie's third quarter grades and work in the mail by the middle of next I may just be able to keep my sanity after all. No more work tonight, though. Tonight I'm going to relax for a while, maybe read a few blogs.

Fun With Verizon

As much as I appreciate all that computers do for us and as much as I enjoy much of what I do here, just let me say that I almost reached my snapping point this morning. I have been ALL morning on the phone with Verizon with various problems--not just one, but several. Off and on I've already had issues with both computers and last night, just before going to bed, I realized we had no internet connection. So I went to bed, got up this morning to the same thing, and it's taken the whole morning to get it resolved. Then in my frustration while on the phone with the first technician (who I'm not sure knew what she was doing) I ended up breaking our phone jack when she told me to unplug the cord for modem from the jack. There's more to the story, but I won't bore you with all the gory details.

Well, the repairman has come and gone, we now have a jack and are back online, after a second long session with yet another technician (who did know what he was doing, thankfully). I'll talk to you folks another time when I'm not so frustrated. Whew. Just needed to vent a minute.

They're wonderful when they work, but when they don't--well, what can I say. Maybe in a little bit I'll have my composure back enough to work more on the income taxes (doing them online) and some pressing business issues (needing to be done online).

Why should I complain? I know so many people with problems far worse than mine. Hope your day is going well.

Hey there

Have you ever seen one of these before? Do you know what it is? Maybe you've seen this photo already? If not, can you guess? I think he's cute, by the way.

Obviously, it's hard to find time to post with the way things are around here again, so I just stopped by to let you know what's happening. I'M SWAMPED! For now, I'll leave this cute fella here until I can get back with something with more substance. Also, I'm trying to "steal" time to get by to see some of you guys soon. Haven't forgotten you--really I haven't!

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods and that you're pressing on with Jesus by your side.

Tuesday Tips

I don't know why I'm having so much trouble of late getting to making blog posts. There seems to be one "pressing need" after another that needs my attention. For instance, the gift I ordered for my granddaughter coming in with half of it missing, whereupon when I call the vendor I find out that they don't automatically send in the missing part but you have to return the whole thing, wait for them to issue the return slip, or whatever it is, before you send it back for credit, etc.etc. After bragging about how I do most of my shopping online, this doesn't say too much for me as to how well I checked out the return policy at this place. So now I've been online trying to find it somewhere else because I'm afraid to order from this place again. Whew!

Next, I've had a health insurance situation needing attention, and you know how it is to get on the phone with automated systems and the like, and that took forever.

Now, I've somehow (only me) lost the map activity book and key which was supposedly included in our curriculum materials which came in July, but I can't for the life of me remember where I put it. So Neesie's been assigned map activities by the video teacher, but this scatterbrained home teacher can't find the materials she needs!

I wanted to make this post this morning, but every time I want to make a post, these are the type of things that happen. These mixed in, of course, with the normal duties. Then, I have to confess that lately I've gotten distracted with some things that perhaps I shouldn't let take up my time, but being one of those curious types, I've been keeping up with certain happenings which I really have found intriguing, and that too has kept me from blogging as much.

I got this bright idea. I thought about passing on some of the helpful info I get from some friends who send me forwards, many containing humorous tidbits or helpful hints. So that's what this post is really all about. I'm starting a new category and calling it "Tuesday Tips" ( I don't know if anyone else is doing anything like this, but if so, please forgive me as I'm not being a copycat on purpose). Not always, but on some Tuesdays I'll pass along some of the information or even lighthearted nuggets I get from my friends. I'm thinking most of it will be helpful to folks who come here, even if just to give them a chuckle in their day. So here's the first one. It's a note that may be copied by all of my pet owning blog friends.

To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - pet nose height:


Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food.
The other dishes are mine and contain my food.
Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort.
Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep.
It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible.
I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom.
If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, and try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open.
I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline attendance is not required.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's back parts. I cannot stress this enough!

No Place Like Home

What have you been doing this week? I've been pretty busy, getting quite a bit done here in my home. I've been working on the home business, teaching homeschooling, laundry (which brought on some plumbing problems which have thankfully been resolved), housecleaning, cooking, family finances, and CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

I thought I would like to take this moment to proclaim my thankfulness for online and catalog shopping. As one who has never liked the hustle and bustle of going to stores during the Christmas season (or any season for that matter), it's so wonderful to be able to sit in my home and get on the phone or computer to order various gifts for various people on my shopping list. For those of you who like the whole store and mall shopping thingamajig, more power to you. But for me, I like the time, gas, and headaches that shopping from home saves me. That's not to say that I don't find it necessary to sometimes go to stores , but as the years have gone by, it's increasingly not been nearly as often or time guzzling as it used to be. So, how many of you enjoy the whole stores routine and how many of you are like me?

That's all for today, folks. Haven't seen the grandkids since Sunday. Hope to see them tomorrow, though. We have a funeral at church, so please remember a dear sister from church who was widowed this week when her husband (who was saved near the end) went home to glory after a battle with cancer.

My Two Girls

Since I'm not having much time for blogging right now (promise to get by to see some of you later), I thought I'd take advantage of a grandmother's ongoing and timeless right to show pictures of her grandchildren. Here are a couple of photos to grace my page with beauty, one month after Shana's birth. Just thought you'd like to know: Selena is loving her little sister!

Returning to Normal

We're back in school at this house! It's our tradition to begin BEFORE September, so we can get a head start on things. One lesson down, with approximately 179 to go! These lessons are usually spread out between the end of August and the beginning of June, so we're on our way! Tenth grade is going to be a rough one, with six courses and six heavy workloads from ABeka Academy. PLEASE remember us in your prayers, if our family comes to mind.

Our busy summer is just about over -- it seems as if there were so many things going on all the time. We're settling down now (sort of), and other than awaiting the birth of another grandchild in a couple of months, with her big sister turning two in a week or so, life is hopefully returning to "normal," whatever that is. Oh, btw, the "In the Beginning" production at Sight and Sound Theaters is fantastic!

Over the next day or so, I hope to get around to visiting friends, whom I've neglected horribly. Thanks for understanding, guys!

Still Here

Hi there - Just stopping to say I'm still here, sort of. We're very busy this week with VBS and some other things. Hope to be back soon!

Enjoy the Olympics but please remember to pray for the persecuted saints there.

A Day in the Life

Oh my goodness. It's April 15th. I forgot to do the income taxes. Just kidding. Actually, I'm showing off because we mailed them exactly one week ago. I think that's a record. You could view this as an ad for H & R Block TaxCut Online because since we've started filing our taxes through them, I have been doing so much better with the whole thing. This year it was completely stress free, and if anyone remembers my post from last year, you'll be able to tell that each year it's been a little better. I am SO thankful.

Today is also our dog Frodo's fifth birthday. Happy Birthday, Fro! Mama's going to check in a bit to see if I can dig out a bone from somewhere in the freezer. I think in people years Fro is about thirty-five. Somehow that just doesn't fit. Those who know him will know what I mean. I don't imagine him ever being an adult--I think he's forever locked into puppyhood.

The best part of today is that I'm wrapping up the third quarter papers to be sent to ABeka Academy. Do you believe that? It seems just a few weeks ago that I made that post on the first day of school. After tying up a couple of loose ends today, we will actually be mailing in the third quarter work. That translates into Neesie's freshman year being three-fourths complete! Unbelievable. Please give us a pat on the back, folks. But actually, we can only give credit to our kind and compassionate God. We could not have gotten this far without His mercies and will not get through this final quarter without Him.

And that brings me to one final thought for the day. See those flowers up above? A sweet and caring sister in the Lord (and sister homeschooling mom) sent those to Neesie and me last week as an encouragement on our homeschool journey. She also sent us CDs with messages to cheer us on our way. One of these CDs was a truly inspiring one entitled "Mothers, This is War", which had been taped at a homeschool convention and it helped set me even more firmly on the course. I wasn't familiar with the speaker, Shelley Hendry, but I'd recommend her to any of you out there who could use a little motivation as moms. Anyway, these flowers and the various messages that ministered to my heart are all to be included in the mercies given by the Lord to me lately. Thanks to my dear sister, whom I've only known a short while, and thanks to my Heavenly Father for sending her encouragements.

And a good day to all of you!

Get Up

I got my latest Nutrition Action newsletter yesterday and the cover story is "Chair Today-Gone Tomorrow." From that title, you can guess what's being primarily discussed this month. The subtitle for this article is "Why you need to move from your seat to your feet." Well, this article really put me in action today. According to the article, "we're a nation that sits," and is that ever true. We sit at the computer; at desks; at ball games; in cars, trains, and airplanes; and of course, for TV watching. I could give loads of other examples. The invention of remote control gadgets has not helped any either. As is brought out in this article, how do you think this affects your weight, heart and blood sugar levels?

I was thinking about those of us who are housewives. Surely this isn't true of us, is it? Now maybe this is not as true of us as it is of the office worker, but we probably sit a lot more than our grandmothers did. With all of the latest inventions that we have in our homes--dishwashers, microwaves, automatic washers and dryers, etc. it gives more time to...well, sit. For me, this article has stirred me to more activity around my house and I hope it lasts beyond today. Here are some of the ways that I've resolved to be more active carrying out my normal household, teaching, and business duties:

• When I'm at the computer (such as now), I'll try to make sure I get up every fifteen, twenty minutes or so to do something. There's always something that I can get up to do: there are so many little odds and ends that need doing around here. If nothing else, I can just walk into the sunroom and look out at the birds for a few minutes, a favorite hobby.


• When I'm grading papers or doing lesson plans, instead of piling books up on my desk and spending a longer length of time there, I'll start the practice of leaving the teacher books and notebooks on the bookcase so that I have to get up and get each one as needed. And I'll try to be peppy about it!


• How about being more energetic about normal duties, such as going from the bedroom to the laundry room? Or sweeping the floor with more gusto? Or going out to sweep the front porch even if it doesn't really need it? Or dusting more in between some of the sitting sessions? Now that spring's here, using the clothesline more will be another help.


• And here's a biggy: Sometimes in the evening after devotions, we relax together as a family and look at a video or CD episode of the Waltons, Hawaii Five-O, Mission Impossible, or one of the other older classics. This is a favorite time of day for us and I get all settled on the couch. It's so enjoyable and so cozy. Sometimes, I'm so settled and comfy that I ask my fifteen year old to go get me the pillow, tissue, glass of water, or whatever it is that I want. From now on, I'LL GET IT MYSELF.

I hope this post has moved some of you other folks out there too. . .up from your seats.

This and That

Here are some of the things that I've been doing this week: Working on the income taxes (one of my most hated jobs as many of you know from last year) - it's halfway done; Doing some desperately needed renovation work at the business website (none of the changes are published yet, so don't go look yet) - they're almost done; going with husband to his doctor's appointment for his glaucoma (why do doctors' offices make you wait an eternity to be seen for five minutes?) - the aftermath being looking up eye drop medicine prices on the internet; having our granddaughter over to spend the day (the best part of the week) - also having daily phone conversations with her where I don't understand a word she's saying; making up lesson plans and grading papers for our little homeschool (also trying to study and refresh my algebra) - and now preparing for another set of nine weeks exams; then cooking, cleaning (well, a little), washing, grocery shopping, etc. etc. Now do you understand better why I don't have much time to blog? But I'll be back, if God so allows, when it calms down a bit! I do love you all and try to get to see you here and there, and it'll get better, I promise! Hope to see you Friday or Saturday with an Easter hymn.